A CAMPAIGN for online banking services in Welsh was launched at the National Eisteddfod being held in Wrexham yesterday.

Susan Elan Jones, Labour MP for Clwyd South, joined author Catrin Dafydd to launch an online petition calling on banks to “offer a complete Welsh language service, including a full online banking service in Welsh”.

Ms Dafydd said members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg have lobbied HSBC to begin an online service, but the company refused to change its policy.

Ceri Phillips, rights spokeswoman for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said: "Almost everyone uses their bank on a daily basis, but as more local branches close and cheque books are phased out it’s becoming increasingly difficult to access services in Welsh.

“In fact, it’s impossible to bank online in the language. Not a single bank offers Welsh online banking.